Friday, December 16, 2005

John Spencer (aka Leo McGarry), R.I.P.

John Spencer, who played a dedicated politico on "The West Wing" who survived a serious illness to run for vice president, died of a heart attack Friday, his publicist said. Spencer, 58, died at a Los Angeles hospital, said publicist Ron Hofmann. He would have been 59 next week.

A great actor. He was smart, funny, and creative. The West Wing won't be the same without him. And if Santos wins, it'll make it complicated to have the vice-president die either at the tail of the campaign or at the beginning of the presidency.